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Scale Venture Partners CERTIFIED

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FIRM OVERVIEW: Large Private VC founded in 2000 based out of Foster City, USA (US West)

FIRM DESCRIPTION: We're active investors, meaning we lead new rounds and use our board seats to drive growth. Our initial investment can range from $4M to well over $10M, depending on your need, and we keep capital in reserve for our companies, so our investment dollars can scale with your growth.
In both technology and healthcare, Scale Venture Partners targets a handful of market themes--emerging customer needs or technology capabilities that drive strong secular growth across multiple specific markets for years. We focus so we can bring you insight and understanding based on our experience in related markets.

I emailed Stacey out of the blue due to her sector experience and asked her for advice only, as we were too early stage for them. We had a great talk on the phone and she offered to endorse us with some angels and that was very helpful in securing interest in our seed round. Very pleasant and helpful person!

I have pitched both Rory and Sharon at Scale (and back at B of A). I have always found them to be straightforward, smart, and not time wasters. Sharon in particular has been focusing on SaaS, social networking and other web 2.0 concepts for years. She provided me with good insights into how VCs evaluate SaaS metrics (this was a few years ago before there was broader agreement on the topics). Sharon has also made introductions that have helped us advance our business, and helped me network (and this was even though my business at that time did not fit their model). Sharon's success and support from entrepreneurs is indicative that she has treated many others the same way.

Posted by
a.j.
on 2009-11-17

PUBLIC:

I was connected with Sharon through a fellow board member of hers. Sharon was reputably on of the most knowledgeable and sophisticated persons in the digital media space with an established network of successful and innovative individuals.

I had an opportunity to discuss my start up and potential exit strategies with Sharon on a call, during which she provided first-hand insight on market trends and valuations of internet lead gen companies, even narrowing the scope to the pertinent industry. She was attentive as I outlined the growth model and showed great interest in the company's progress and direction.

In a subsequent meeting with her, Sharon further elaborated on growth opportunities and proposed synergies that she was willing to facilitate among her own network of companies. On her own initiative, she followed through on these connections, and maintained communication with me as my company was rapidly grown and consequently acquired.

The widening of Sharon's circle of entrepreneurs in digital media is a testament to her versatile intelligence, as well as her willingness to share her knowledge openly with others in the industry.

Several weeks ago we presented to Rob Theis and his team. Great meeting. Rob was extremely insightful. Thoughtfully quiet at times, but fantastic knowledge and guidance. Amazing set of key people he knows. Connected to us a few Execs and organizations to help flush strategy and Rob provided good tactics to focus on. Good penetrating questions that left us thinking forward. Thank you for the assistance.

Posted by
deviceceo
on 2008-07-19

Posted by
JamesMc
on 2008-06-16

PUBLIC:

Was referred to Scale Ventures by another VC and pitched to Stacey Curry Bishop. They were very interested in our space, but the pitch ended up being more of an informational session for them as we were too early stage and they werent really interested.

Stacey was very nice so it was an enjoyable experience despite the fact I didnt get anything out of it

Posted by
singh
on 2008-05-13

PUBLIC:

Adding Theis to the team is brilliant. Scale is definitely on the rise again and moving to top tier status. I only know the Partners on the Tech side and they are smart and each add value in their unique ways. Theis has a vast network of contacts that helps jumpstart companies and makes a big difference.

Posted by
NorCalGuy
on 2008-04-04

PUBLIC:

Chad Kinzelberg has followed our development for a year, asked for an update. He revealed that their current fund was approaching full investment. They intend to raise another of similar size. Word to the wise.

Posted by
Deans
on 2007-10-03

PUBLIC:

BA Ventures was a later stage investor, with preferred liquidation, in our company. Their partner was actively involved in our board and provided a great deal of excellent advice. I sort of considered him to be a friend. Then Microsoft changed directions and became a competitor. As things started looking dicey, the BA Venture guy stopped returning calls. When I asked him why, he replied - I've never forgotten this - (not really a quote, but accurate to the best of my recollection) I have 10 investments. In order for me to be successful, 3 have to be successful. Since it's obvious that you're not going to be successful, you're not worth my time. I'll spend my time on companies that can still win. It's nothing personal.

Posted by
Anon
on 2007-09-24

PUBLIC:

I have pitched Scale a 2-3 times now. I found them to be very knowledgable about our space--they had the right questions in mind. I know quite a few people at the fund, they've alwys impressed me as straightforward, honest people--which is more than I can say for most funds!

Posted by
A founder of one of thier companies.
on 2007-08-10

PUBLIC:

I have known a few of the people around the firm from back when they were actually part of the bank before BAVP was formed. Now, there are some interesting people there. There is nothing like the ever charming and brilliant Rory taking his shoe off during a pitch meeting and scratching his foot while asking you a question. These guys are real people. Kate, Sharon, Rory are all real people. Having done a very early deal from first meeting to money in the bank with them in less than 20 days, I can without any reservation say these guys can move quick. They have also been thoughtful and helpful throughout the company even though there focus as Scale is much later than our deal.

Posted by
HBRuby
on 2007-08-11

PUBLIC:

Scale is very aggressive about not spending MD time on anything they aren't likely to want to invest in. Since they invest mainly in post product/market fit proven companies, there is less motivation and desire to listen to a pitch for the sake of learning and possibly finding a diamond in the rough. People more accustomed to the Series A investor mentality will find engaging with Scale a frustrating experience

Was set to meet with a MD and when we arrived she was in another meeting. We waited for 30 minutes until they sent in an associate, who didn't know about our space. Finally, after another 30 minutes, another associate came in to tell us the MD couldn't come in. Very unprofessional. Never got an email from the MD apologizing.

Was invited to visit BA several times over the course of a month. Stated that they wanted to fast track their consideration, but couldn't find a hole in thier schedule for 2-3 weeks at a time. Forced to give the same overview to a revolving door of partners who asked the same not so bright questions repeatedly. Would not recommend this firm. Characterize them as "Smart Morons"